Can papaya leaves cure cancer? Debate broke out on new research

Papaya Leaf Extract Cancer Chemotherapy Study: Is it possible to cure cancer with papaya leaves? After a recent research, this question has become a topic of discussion in the medical world. A clinical trial conducted by the country’s prestigious Tata Memorial Center has claimed that Carica Papaya Leaf Extract can help in faster recovery of platelets in patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, controversy has now started regarding this study.

This research was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology Global Oncology. But later, after the complaint of Dr. Cyriac AB Phillips, a hepatologist from Kerala, the journal issued an expression of concern on this paper. This does not mean that the research has been proven wrong, but rather the journal is currently investigating the questions raised.

Postponing chemotherapy or reducing the dose of medicine

About 200 such patients were included in the research, whose platelets had reduced significantly during chemotherapy. According to the researcher, the platelets of the patients who were given CPLE started increasing faster from the fourth day as compared to the placebo group. Not only this, the need to postpone chemotherapy or reduce the dose of medicine was also significantly less in these patients. According to the study, only 25 percent of patients taking CPEL had to delay treatment or reduce the dose, whereas this figure was 43 percent in the placebo group. No serious side effects were reported during the research. This supportive treatment of about 10 days can be completed for about Rs 300.

Fear of irregularities in study

Yes, Dr. Cyriac AB Phillips raised questions on this research on social media and called it a serious matter. He says that there is a possibility of irregularities in the study. At the same time, the scientist of Tata Memorial Center says that the expression of concern is only a part of the investigation process, it cannot be considered as evidence of any kind of scientific irregularity or fraud. Study co-writer and senior oncologist Dr. Kumar Prabhash said that this research has been done in a completely scientific manner and was published after international peer review. He told that in 2025, this study was also presented in the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He says that even if the results had been negative, they would have been published.

The much celebrated Papaya leaf extract for low platelet count in chemotherapy patients has now received an Expression of Concern from the Journal due to doubts regarding fraud after I notified the Journal.https://t.co/IdFzVzWjX1
This is a black spot on Tata Memorial Cancer… pic.twitter.com/oVTeg2HTvb

— TheLiverDoc™ (@theliverdoc) July 15, 2026

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Do papaya leaves cure cancer?

At the same time, lead researcher Dr. Vikas Ostwal said that his team stands firm on all its findings. The journal has not yet asked any scientific question to the research team and if any question comes, it will be answered as per the scientific process. Another oncologist of TMC also said that it is not wrong to question any study, but the final decision should be based on scientific investigation and evidence and not on social media. Scientist says that at present it would not be right to say that papaya leaves are a cure for cancer.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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